BeamNG.drive

How to Play BeamNG.drive: A Beginner’s Guide

Getting started in BeamNG.drive is straightforward, but mastering its nuances takes time. Here’s a basic guide to help you dive into the world of realistic vehicle simulation:

1. Game Modes and Scenarios

BeamNG.drive offers various ways to play:

• Free Roam: This is the heart of the game, allowing you to explore expansive maps with diverse terrain, from bustling cityscapes to winding mountain roads. You can spawn multiple vehicles, set up custom obstacles, and experiment with crashes.
• Scenarios: These are pre-designed challenges that range from simple delivery missions and time trials to intense police chases and destruction derbies. They provide structured gameplay and often introduce you to different aspects of the game’s physics.
• Campaign/Career Mode: Recent updates have introduced a more structured Career Mode, allowing players to progress through various pathways, such as motorsports or logistics, earning money and upgrading vehicles. While still in early development, it offers a refreshing goal-oriented experience.

2. Vehicle Selection and Customization

The game boasts a diverse fleet of official vehicles, including cars, trucks, vans, buses, and even off-road buggies. Each vehicle is meticulously crafted with the soft-body physics in mind.

• In-Game Customization: You can modify various components of your vehicle directly in-game. This includes changing engines, transmissions, suspension setups, tires, and even body panels. Experimenting with these options significantly impacts handling and performance.
• Modding Community: One of BeamNG.drive’s strongest features is its robust modding support. Thousands of user-created mods are available through the official BeamNG.drive Repository and other community sites. These mods introduce new vehicles, maps, scenarios, and even gameplay enhancements, vastly expanding the game’s content. Mods can be easily installed through the in-game mod manager or manually by dragging ZIP files into the mods folder.

3. Mastering Controls and Physics

The controls are intuitive for driving games, typically using WASD for movement and mouse for camera control. However, understanding the physics is key:

• Soft-Body Deformation: Expect vehicles to crumple, twist, and break apart in a realistic manner. Every impact matters, affecting handling and performance.
• Weight Transfer: Pay attention to how the vehicle’s weight shifts during acceleration, braking, and cornering. This is crucial for maintaining control, especially in high-speed maneuvers.
• Terrain Interaction: Different terrains will affect your vehicle’s grip and stability. Mud, gravel, snow, and asphalt all offer unique driving experiences.